How do I add a sticky note to a PDF document?

Open your PDF in Acrobat. Go to the 'Comment' tools. Select the 'sticky note' icon. Click on the page where you want the note. Type your message and close the note box.

What is the difference between a sticky note and a text box for comments?

A sticky note is a small icon that opens a pop-up window for your text, good for short reminders. A text box lets you type text directly onto the page, making it visible all the time. Both are useful for adding comments, but the text box is better for longer, always-visible notes.

Why do comments and annotations remain recoverable data in a PDF?

Comments and annotations are designed to be a separate layer on top of the original document. This allows reviewers to add feedback without changing the main content. This design means they are recoverable data, which is useful during review. However, it also means you must actively remove them if you want a truly 'final' file, to prevent information from leaking.

If I share a PDF with comments, will the recipient see my sticky notes?

Yes, if you share a PDF that has sticky notes and other comments, the recipient will see them. These comments are part of the file's data. If you do not want them to see your notes, you must use the 'Protect > Sanitize' feature before sharing. This action removes all comments and markups permanently.

What does 'flattening' comments mean in Adobe Acrobat?

Flattening comments means making them a permanent part of the document's content, no longer a separate, editable layer. This makes the comments look like regular text or images on the page. Once flattened, comments cannot be easily removed or changed as individual notes. It's a way to make sure notes are visible but not interactive, and it can prevent accidental changes or removal by others.

◆ Acrobat · edit

Enable commenting on protected or locked PDFs

Add a short note to the Ramirez file explaining the nonstandard rental income from an Airbnb property so teammates und…

3ready prompts

1real task

3roles

See the prompt↓More edit workflows

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to enable commenting on a protected PDF in...…+

Show me how to enable commenting on a protected PDF in [Adobe Acrobat version].

when the reply comes backWant tips for organizing your comments in Acrobat?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to make commenting easier on locked PDFs for...…+

Suggest ways to make commenting easier on locked PDFs for [students/teachers/team members] using Adobe Acrobat.

when the reply comes backNeed help removing protection from your PDF first?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose the best way to add comments to a...…+

Help me choose the best way to add comments to a protected or locked PDF for [my situation].

when the reply comes backWould you like to know how to share your commented PDF?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select the Comment tool from the right pane or toolbar.
3
Choose a comment tool, such as Sticky Note, Highlight, Underline, or Strikethrough.
4
Click or drag on the PDF where you want to add your annotation.
5
Type your comment or adjust the markup as needed.
6
To edit or delete a comment, select it in the right sidebar and use the available options.
Best practiceYou can quickly access all your comments in the right sidebar to review or modify them.

In the appWith the API

You can use keyboard shortcuts to speed up adding highlights or sticky notes while reviewing a PDF.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

PDFA common file type used to share documents that look the same everywhere.ExampleShe saved the brochure as a PDF so everyone would see the exact same layout and fonts.

Protected PDFA PDF file that has security settings, like passwords or restrictions, stopping some actions.ExampleThis protected PDF requires a password to open and prevents anyone from printing its contents.

CommentingAdding notes, feedback, or questions to a document.ExampleYou are adding notes and questions directly onto the draft of a project proposal.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Add a quick note on a file to explain a nonstandard income source so teammates understand my assessment.

FAQ

about this task

To enable commenting, you need to remove the protection or change the security settings if you have permission. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, go to 'File' > 'Properties' > 'Security,' and check if you can allow commenting. If you do not have the password, you will need to ask the document owner.

A 'locked' PDF means the person who created it has set restrictions so others cannot add comments or make changes. This is usually done to keep the document safe and unchanged.

No, you cannot add comments to a protected PDF unless you have the password or the owner has allowed commenting. This is to make sure only approved people can change the document.

Enabling commenting lets people give feedback, ask questions, or add notes directly on the PDF, which is helpful for teamwork, school assignments, or reviews.

Enabling commenting lets you add notes or highlights without changing the main content, while editing means you can change the actual text or images in the PDF. Commenting is safer if you just want to give feedback.

Enable commenting on protected or locked PDFs

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help